Saturday, March 4, 2017

Remembering Paris~










I have wanted to stop into this local  bakery to try their croissants..Jacques said:"Not flaky like in Paris".True.

We had a patisserie just below our accomodations..that was right above a BISTRO..it went from peace and quiet..to boisterous and street partying a couple of nights during Euro-2016.. pas du tout "funny"~;)


A tiny walk to rue Cler..we were the next street.I loved that area..if ever we went back it would be there or Montmartre..♥


If you are not near a pastry shop..

may I..

 recommend that dessert above:)


I am sure you have heard of Sticky Toffee Puddings..
I am not a pudding girl..
I am here to tell you that this is much more like a MOIST delicious cake  w/ a memorable sauce.
Jacques loves Pouding Chomeur..which is again more like a cake..cooked in syrup..but I think he loves this one even more.

And me? believe it or not..I could eat a whole piece.DECADENT deliciousness.

How did I find it ? 2006..I have kept almost all my LCBO Food and Drink magazines..time to let go..so little by little..I am going through them..quite quickly..and whatever catches my eye..knowing someone in my family will love it..I tear the recipes out and keep..this was in one of them..

Such a keeper!!

Print it out because it is a do again and again.

I used a 7x7 square springform pan and it was just the right size..do line w/ parchment as the batter can seep out.I think I had to bake mine a tad longer..do the toothpick test..keep the extra sauce in the fridge and warm up for every piece.Micro will do it.

Oh Yum.

I have loads of paintbrushes..well loads..not like what I see on blogs..but a few w/ the years..those are my faves up there..

There's a spot in my garden I like when it's filled in..it's that small fairy garden area..in it..to the right..is a big heavy old cement urn..weathered and beautiful..for  a few years fuschias have been in it..sometimes scaveolas..but I had this photo of it w/ the fuschias and tried to paint..first watercolor.. w/ M Grahams..

In Montmartre it was the first time I saw someone paint Impasto..well mine is more impasta..and will take forever to dry..but I love doing this and will look at some youtubes about it:)



The weather here yesterday and today is positively Siberian.
As for me..I'll sit in front of the fire later w/ wine and a good book..finally..that I am reading..

They Left Us everything.. so far so good..the story starts .. it is the eve of the principal characters' 63rd birthday....having just turned 63 a couple of weeks ago..I was hooked from the get go.
The story of  loss of parents..most recently her 90 + yr old mom..coming to terms with it..and organizing chaos and clutter in the familial home.
Have a nice rest of weekend..


57 comments:

  1. I remember that place in Montmarte. Hasn't changed. Nice old part of Paris. I lovvvve croissants but have never made them. Nor have I ever tasted sticky toffee pudding, but I know I would love it too. And, I just love that impasto. Isn't it fun to do?

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    1. It is fun..I think for me because there doesn't seem to be as much as a margin of error..because it's a mess:)
      I thought that place would always remain the same..there is a video somehwre of Charles Aznavour singing La Bohème and this scene is shown:)

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  2. Soon to depart and take dear little Bo who stayed with us last night and exchange him for his two big brothers who will stay with us tonight while Lindsay and Bob are in Minneapolis celebrating his birthday :) I would love to taste a croissant in Paris but the sticky toffee pudding will have to do. Love a great reco! Also love your impasta - LOL. Did you use oils to make it? Both paintings are lovely. Brrr here too - warmer this week. I'll be ready for another vacay after this weekend :)

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    1. Yes oils..fun to do..messy but fun..I love those days w/ the Littles..it is busy w/ all 3..but never a dull moment..I still sleep w/ the younger ones and J..w/ Lucas..
      Noah and his mom leave for Disneay today..:)Have fun w/ the bigger bros:)

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  3. Paris has so many wonderful memories, there's so many wonderful places to stay and wander! Love those markets, brought back delightful memories. There are no croissants like the ones in Paris, well anywhere in France actually! Now you have me wanting to go back!

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    1. I'm ok here for the next few yrs:) Apart from familiar places;)
      WE have excellent croissants here..lol..just not there..
      I wasn't enchanted with anything really in that bakery..a shame:(
      They need you:)

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  4. I guess a visit back to Paris is a must! I remember their rich desserts and wonderful croissants. Sticky Toffee Pudding is a lovely dessert and pretty easy to make. So glad to hear you are loving your paints and brushes. Happy weekend.

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    1. And a lovely lovely Sunday to you..I thought of you yesterday..I must have touched the control key on my PC while using the mouse..my blog was MINUSCULE..I was concerned to say the least..kept Googling..no answer..finally..it dawned on me to try..you almost got a pleading email:)

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  5. Oh! the painting is beautiful..

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  6. I can see how a croissant could be the breakfast equivalent of a madeleine :-) I've not yet found a really nice croissant around here, but I'm looking.
    Amalia
    xo

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    1. A quest is always fun..because when you do find..a small elation sets in:)♥

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  7. Monique, the croissants in France are the best. I always treat myself to one on the ferry going over and it is heaven. Todd and I keep saying we must go to Paris for the weekend and it is on our bucket list. What to do with the dog though . . . that holds us back. Your pudding looks très délicieux! Mr T would really enjoy! Also on my bucket list! lol Your brushes, your paintings, all wow. I wish I thought of photographing my brushes, but then you would all see my messy desk. no can do, lol again. Love and hugs and Bon Weekend! xoxo

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    1. PS that book looks right up my alley. Must look for it.

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    2. I would love to see your brushes..I am missing 2 or three in that photo that I really like..I have jars for the boys..they are way less into it now..:(
      I miss those crafty days..it's football and track all the way now..they do color superheroes w/ markers following You Tube videos and do so well..they just pick up things so fast..put your brushes on a table:) And clic:):)

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  8. You must have read my mind Monique...Joe and I were just discussing going to Paris in two years. He will be retired, and can enjoy himself. The painting is beautiful :-)

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    1. TY..You must read Chris and Scott's reviews of Paris..they were invaluable to us..I even read all all his tips re safety..the one morning we didn't..well you know the story..howver the day before was a shock..

      yes..the best time to go is when you are young or retired..or in your case..both:)

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  9. Your paintings are filled with springtime! So lovely. The Sticky Toffe Pudding looks like it would be good on a chilly day. Stay warm - spring isn't so far away😊

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    1. :) It's still cold..0 F this AM..for some strange reason..I now bask in winter..I must be getting very old..
      I love our house..it's just normal..but staying in..just feels right these days..did I say I must be getting old?:)?
      Have great Sunday pretty pretty lady.

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  10. I'm sure I would love both the Parisian croissants and your sticky pudding! And, I love your painting and PHOTOS, as always. So beautiful! Brushes. Yes, there are definitely favorites. ;) The fireplace, glass of wine and good book sound perfect. blessings and hugs ~ tanna

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    1. Beautiful sunshine today Tanna..but still cold..the sun is warming up our home though:)

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  11. Dearest Nanaa I'll test that fabulous receip of sticky toffe pudding which seems to be ease to bake. Thank you for sharing.

    When in Paris I always stay at Le Marais, one of the most tipycal quartier in Paris. Have you ever been there? If not, you should try!
    Hugs
    Nina

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    1. Unfortunately it was on our itinerary that Jacques did for us for the 7 days..but unfortunately we had a couple of mishaps and had to take things off..:(
      Maybe one day Nina:)

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  12. I love your impasta as it reminds me of Monet's garden when we were there in early spring years back. There is nothing better than a flaky croissant but would you believe the best one I ever had was in Munich. It was from a little bakery across the street from a small hotel we were staying at. I've pinned your sticky toffee pudding, it looks so good.

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    1. I CAN believe it! Germany is well known for their pastries too:)
      Thank you Karen!

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  13. Well I love both your paintings!
    Oils too now. Bravo!!

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  14. I love your paintings! I even love your palette! Such wonderful colors.
    Your toffee pudding left my mouth watering.
    Enjoy your book - it sounds like a good one. xo

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    1. I just finished it and it was very good.
      A journey into a mother/daughter realtionship and getting a 23 room home in order after her passing..
      really good.
      Thanks Susan.

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  15. I love travel memories and a good pudding! Your Sticky Toffee Pudding is beautiful. I can see the appeal. I once ate an amazing pudding in Killarney Ireland with my husband and his sister-in-law. Such a fun trip - another food and travel memory! Have a great week - love your beautiful painting. You are inspired!

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    1. I don't know how I missed you and your sweet comment..Jacques reads my blog:) And said..just now..:"you didn't answer Tricia?"

      :):)
      See he reads it all:)

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  16. I like both of your paintings...very different...but beautiful.
    That sticky pudding looks really tasty...I do the same with my magazines.
    Rip out what I want...finally ditch all the rest! I need to do it again....SOON! Hahaha!
    Enjoy your evening,and week ahead Monique!
    Cheer So!
    Linda :o)

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    1. You too..I know you will..my eldest daughter is at Disney for the week w/ Noah:) Thay will have a ball..
      hope the weather stays stellar!
      Thank you:)

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    2. Hot....and....windy 💨💨💨💨

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  17. The LCBO does have the best magazines with recipes. Your husband is right the croissants here are not Paris. Nothing like a Paris croissants. Now I want one.

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    1. They are delish..here in Mtl you can get a great croissant..this one was VERY disappointing..I'll never go back..too bad:(

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  18. Love those paintings of yours.
    Isn't that area of Paris just the best!
    I wish too to return one day..however, so much family to see in other parts these days:))
    Hope your weekend was good
    xx

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    1. You are set for travel I think! It must be wonderfful to get to see them..what quality time you must spend with them..and everyone must be so grateful!

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  19. I adore croissants, I sometimes dip them into black coffee, my grandson thinks that's weird but he's only 13!
    I also adore sticky toffee pudding.
    Your paintings are lovely :-)

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    1. Thanks Polly:) We have 4 grandsons..the last thing they were surprised at of me I think is that I bought a Barbie:)
      11-9-8-7..all boys..:)

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  20. Love croissants, sticky pudding too! Your oil and watercolor paintings are just beautiful! ♥ New Banner, love it!!
    Hugs, Jody

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  21. beautiful beautiful paintings that you did, love that you did two different techniques. and those croissants sure do look pretty too.
    Hope you have warmer weather heading your way, but it sure does sound really nice to read a book by the warm fire :)
    Hope you have a wonderful week
    Jenni

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    1. All the trees are frosted w/ ice..we had rain..then a freeze..no end in sight yet..but spring always comes..

      I'm a nester now..thank goodness:) Thanks Jenni!

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  22. Kind of funny----Bill and I were talking at the breakfast table this morning about the delicious croissants with butter and orange marmalade we had lots of mornings in Paris and around the rest of France. They were the best and I've never had one as good as them since. Your painting is very nice!

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    1. I love marmalade w/ croissants..this morning I had Cassis gelée:)

      I think one always brings up Paris once one has been:)
      Thanks Pam!

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  23. Everything in this post makes my heart sing! The Paris photos, lovely treats, paints and brushes. Biggest sigh! If I get back to Paris I need to check with you on that hotel! My kind of neighborhood!

    Your paintins, splendid. But they always are!

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    1. Hi nana..I have been thinking about you and all the fun you will have..I promise!!
      Thank you!:)

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  24. You are getting so good with your watercolor paints. I could so see your photos, paintings and recipes in a coffee table/gift book. You have the eye.

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    1. Well you are very nice:) I will leave all that to true artists like you and many of my other friends:)

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  25. How I've missed your blog! I am finally back home, oh how I missed it too. I love your impasta, hahaha! Love the juicy watercolor with the paint tube treasures. I think of Paris and France every March because that was the month during which I usually went there. It's like it's in my blood...I love the portrait of the brushes, love the Montmarte scene...Weather here changeable too, but it always is in March...Rain today...

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    1. I was just looking at two X stitches I did in the 70's..one says:To know how sweet your home can be..just go away and keep the key"..just just now Rita..how appropriate for your move back..
      Take care..hope to see your charming unique art pop up on posts:)

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  26. Bonjour chère Nana,

    Ah ! l'atmosphère de Montmartre ne peut que m'émouvoir !... Je suis certaine que vous avez ressenti ce petit je ne sais quoi de si particulier ici ! Une sorte d'écrin pour artistes !
    J'aime beaucoup votre petite aquarelle pleine de fraîcheur et de couleurs acidulées semblables à des bonbons.
    Si un jour nous pouvions nous rencontrer à Montmartre, je vous ferai découvrir une pâtisserie où l'on peut déguster des petits pains framboise/chocolat ou pistache/chocolat... Hum fabuleux !
    Très belles photos...
    Plein de belles pensées, gros bisous 🌸

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    1. Oui Montmartre.. a été un coup de coeur pour moi..ma fille me l'avait bien didt.Dommage que je ne savais pas que tu avais ce bijou:)

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  27. Je sens que je ne vais pas tarder à retourner faire un tour chez ma maman, ça ... J'irai faire un tour rue Cler en pensant à toi ! ;-)

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